Wicketkeeper-batsman Ismail Dawood has come through his trial with Yorkshire with flying colours to make his first-team debut today in the opening Twenty-20 Cup match against Derbyshire at Derby.

Dawood, 28 this month, will also play for Yorkshire tomorrow in their one-day game against Sri Lanka 'A' at Headingley and then in their top-of-the-table clash with Middlesex Crusaders in the totesport League at Headingley on Sunday.

The Evening Press reported exclusively a fortnight ago that Yorkshire's director of cricket David Byas had decided to give Dawood some games with the Second XI so that he could monitor his progress.

Wicketkeeper Richard Blakey, now in charge of the Second XI, has been able to report positively on Dawood who could have a big future with his native county if he does well over the next few matches.

The selection of Dawood will disappoint Simon Guy who will now have a spell in the second team to see if he can improve his form both with the bat and behind then stumps.

Guy has played in all of Yorkshire's Championship matches so far this season but Blakey was drafted into the side for one-day games although he now stands down in order to give Dawood a go.

Byas said: "Simon has the chance to improve with the Seconds and iron out one or two things with Richard Blakey but I stress that he is not out of our future plans.

"Ismail has impressed in the second team and deserves his chance at first team level. His inclusion increases the competition for places and that can only be a good thing."

Dawood said: "I am excited and thrilled to be playing for Yorkshire today and am really looking forward to it.

"I would love to be able to play first class cricket with Yorkshire and my priority now is to show some consistency with my wicketkeeping and batting and prove that I am worth my place."

Dawood plays for Cleckheaton in the Bradford League and is also attached to the Bradford-Leeds Universities' Centre of Excellence.

On Wednesday Dawood played for British Universities in their one-day match against Sri Lanka A at Leicester and although his side were heavily beaten, Dawood top-scored with 29.

He becomes the second Yorkshire-born cricketer from an ethnic background to play first team cricket for Yorkshire, Bradford's Ajmal Shahzad making his debut for Phoenix against Worcestershire Royals at Headingley on May 23.

Michael Lumb, the country's leading six-hitter in Twenty-20 cricket last summer, returns to the side after recovering from an ankle injury.

Yorkshire from: Jaques, Lumb, Craven, Wood, Gale, Gray, Dawson, Dawood, Bresnan, Silverwood, Hoggard, Blain, Kirby.

Yorkshire (v Sri Lanka 'A' and Middlesex Crusaders) from: Taylor, Gale, Craven, Jaques, Wood, Lumb, Gray, Dawood, Dawson, Bresnan, Silverwood, Kirby, Hoggard (Sunday only).

Updated: 10:29 Friday, July 02, 2004